René Fonck
René Paul Fonck | |
|---|---|
René Fonck wearing the Légion d'honneur | |
| Born | 27 March 1894 Saulcy-sur-Meurthe, Vosges, France |
| Died | 18 June 1953 (aged 59) Paris, France |
| Allegiance | France |
| Branch | Infantry, French Air Service |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 1937–1940 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | C47, Spa103 |
| Battles / wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Grand Officier of the Légion d'honneur Médaille militaire Croix de guerre Military Cross (United Kingdom) Distinguished Conduct Medal (United Kingdom) Croix de guerre (Belgium) |
Colonel René Paul Fonck (27 March 1894 – 18 June 1953) was a French aviator who ended the First World War as the top Entente fighter ace and, when all succeeding aerial conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries are also considered, Fonck still holds the title of "all-time Allied Ace of Aces". He received confirmation for 75 victories (72 solo and three shared) out of 142 claims. Taking into account his probable claims, Fonck's final tally could conceivably be nearer 100 or above. He was made an Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1918 and later a Commander of the Legion of Honor after the war, and raised again to the dignity of Grand Officer.